I am a former athlete myself, but in 2008, I was unable to participate in any sports
due to knee problems for over three years. I was an avid basketball and softball player, and lifted weights from time to time.  I have always enjoyed an active lifestyle, now unable to do anything, and 40 extra pounds to show for it.
 
During the winter, Ileana participated in three half-marathons.  I attended and supported her at each one.  The Spirit of Competition was swelling up inside me as I watched all the runners start each event.  The crowds were exuberant and animated.  “I like this, this is great!”  Then reality would hit me, "Why can't I play?"  What I did not know was that my journey back to participation and an active lifestyle had already begun.
 
During the West Palm Beach expo, Ileana met a nutritional cleansing counselor who told her about a great product for weight loss.  She bought it for me as a Christmas gift.  I was willing to try it.  "Why not, I have tried everything else!"  I started on January 1st.  Within two months I dropped 38.5 pounds and transformed my body.  I also began walking with Ileana and her
friends during the week; our FIT friend Audrey was one of them.  We would all start walking together, then all the girls would leave me behind as they started their run.  Eventually I started running with them, pain free.  Over the weeks I continued increasing my distance, still no pain.  Suddenly I found myself running three miles each morning before I went to work and it felt great!  What happened next is beyond anything I expected, Ileana and Audrey ask me to join them at the beach and I said yes.
 
It's 3AM and the alarm is going off.  I am stumbling in the dark to find the bathroom.  Time to get dressed and join our FIT friends on the beach.  I am absolutely crazy!